Vertical turbo-generator arrangement



Aug. 1934- A, B. HENDRICKS, JR 1,969,695

VERTICAL TURBO GENERATOR ARRANGEMENT Filed April 28, 1933 In ventor: Al lcm B. Hendrick$,J-rr,

Hi5 Attorney Patented Aug. 7, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT orrice VERTICAL TURBO-GENERATOR ARRANGEMENT New York Application April 28, 1933, Serial No. 668,403

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to a vertical turbo-generator arrangement in which an elastic fluid turbine has its shaft vertically arranged to drive an electric generator having its shaft 5 aligned and coupled with the turbine shaft.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved construction and arrangement for vertical turbo-generators whereby such sets may be built in large sizes of high capacity and speed and with many expansion stages in the turbine to secure high efficiency. This is accomplished in accordance with my invention by placing the turbine on top of the generator and supporting the turbine at least partly by a turbine condenser arranged adjacent the generator. The condenser is preferably made of annular form and rests on the foundation. In a preferred embodiment I provide the condenser in concentric relation to the generator in which case it completely encloses at least a part of the generator. The rotor of the generator is carried on a thrust bearing at the bottom and guide bearings at both bottom and top, both of the latter being supported on the stator.

The shaft of the generator is connected to the shaft of the turbine by means of a separable coupling, that is, one which permits the removal of the turbine without the necessity of reaching the coupling to disconnect it.

For a better understanding of what I believe to be novel in my invention, attention is directed to the following description and the claims appended thereto in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing I have shown a vertical turbogenerator set embodying my invention.

The turbo-generator set comprises an electric generator 10 which is supported by a foundation 11 and an elastic fluid turbine 12 arranged on top of the generator with its rotor 13 in alignment with and coupled to the shaft of the generator by a coupling 9. The last stage of the turbine faces the generator, and the exhaust casing or shell 1% of the turbine is supported by a condenser 15. The latter comprises a casing 16 resting on the foundation 11 and including an upper header 1'? and a lower header 18. The two headers are connected by a plurality of tubes 19. During operation, cooling fluid such as Water is conducted to either header through the corresponding conduit 20 or 21, whence it flows to the other header through the tubes 19 and is drained therefrom by the corresponding conduit 21 or 20. The exhaust elastic fluid of the turbine flows into the space defined between the condenser tubes and is drained from the condenser through a conduit 22. In the present instance the condenser 15 is concentrically arranged with the generator and has an upper annular opening a, connected to the exhaust casing of the turbine. This permits a uniform fiovv from the entire area of the last turbine wheel to the condenser and a relatively short connection between the turbine and the latter resulting in a high efiiciency of the condenser and the turbine.

The electric generator itself is not described in detail as these details do not form an important part of my invention. As shown, however, it is provided with centrifugal blowers at each end of the rotor, forming an integral part thereof, for cooling the generator by a closed sys cm of air circulation including surface coolers 25 placed in an annular space 26 provided for the purpose, between the generator stator and the inside wall of the condenser, which may have a water jacket 27 to protect the cooling air from the heat of the condenser.

While the cooling arrangement described is a suitable one, which will be obvious to one' skilled in the art, I do not limit myself to this exact construction. For example, external blowers and coolers may be used, in the conventional manner. The cooling system is not described in detail, as these details do not form an important part of my invention.

The provision of the turbine on top of the generator instead of below the generator and the symmetrical arrangement of the turbine condenser with the generator and the turbine form I the main features of my invention. As pointed out above, the efficiency of the condenser and the turbine is increased and the condenser itself serves at the same time to carry all or part of the turbine weight. In addition, with the direct 95 support of the turbine on the condenser, no flexible connections need be provided between them. The symmetrical form of the turbine and the condenser ermits simple manufacturing at comparatively low cost and also is free from unequal expansion and contraction.

Another important advantage of my arrangement that it permits the use of the condenser for rigidly bracing the structure against vibration and the unit therefore may easily be built 105 as an open air unit. The generator stator is preferably rigidly connected to the inner condenser shell at several points to obtain the maximum solidity and freedom from vibration.

Having described the method of operation of 110 my invention, together with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is.-

1. In a vertical shaft turbo-generator arrangement, the combination of an electric generator, an elastic fluid turbine for driving the generator provided on top of the generator, and a condenser for receiving exhaust from the turbine arranged adjacent the generator, the weight of the turbine being at least partly carried by the condenser.

2. In a vertical shaft turbo-generator arrangement, the combination of an electric generator, a foundation for the generator, an elastic fluid turbine for driving the generator provided on top of the generator with its low pressure side adjacent the generator, and a condenser for receiving exhaust fluid from the turbine, said condenser being supported by the foundation and forming a support for the turbine.

3. In a vertical shaft turbo-generator arrangement, the combination with an electric generator, a foundation for the generator, an elastic fluid turbine for driving the generator provided on top of the generator, and a condenser concentrically arranged with the generator Ior receiving exhaust fluid from the turbine, the turbine being supported by the condenser which in turn is supported by the foundation.

ALLAN B. HENDRICKS, JR. 

